Trying to tame Big Puma

Posted by | May 21, 2008 at 10:52 PM

When the Phillies begin their series in Houston on Thursday, they will have to contend with one of the hottest hitters in baseball. Lance Berkman, aka Big Puma, may just be the National League's MVP at this point of the season.

Phils closer Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett both played with Berkman in Houston before being dealt to Philadelphia in the offseason. They have seen Berkman hot before, though neither was sure if they had ever seen him go as crazy as he has in May. He went into Wednesday batting .522 this month (36-for-69) with 23 runs scored, seven doubles, eight home runs, 19 RBIs and a ridiculous 1.559 OPS.

"I'm not surprised at how well he's doing," Lidge said. "When he's fully healthy, there's nothing stopping him. He's the best hitter in the game. I hope he cools off when we roll into town. He's always had an incredible ability to roll out bed and hit a home run."

Added Bruntlett: "He's the best player in the league. He is right now, especially the way he's going. He's one of those guys that, maybe it's because it's Houston, he never really gets the attention he deserves. He's been one of the top handful of players in the league for years now."

As for Berkman's nickname, Bruntlett can't remember exactly where it came from. But Big Puma for the lumbering first baseman?

"It's a joke," Bruntlett said. "He wanted a nickname. I think he made it up. He's been known to make some plays on the bases that make you scratch your head. He's not known for his speed and agility."